C11orf60 Inhibitors

Intraflagellar transport 46 (IFT46) is an integral component of the intraflagellar transport (IFT) complex B, which is crucial for the assembly and maintenance of eukaryotic cilia and flagella. Cilia and flagella are microtubule-based organelles that protrude from the cell surface and are divided into two types: motile and non-motile (primary cilia). These organelles play critical roles in cell motility, sensory perception, and signal transduction.IFT is a bidirectional process that is essential for the anterograde (from base to tip) and retrograde (from tip to base) movement of protein complexes along the ciliary axoneme. IFT46 is specifically involved in anterograde IFT and is believed to function as an adaptor protein that helps in the binding and transport of ciliary cargo. The IFT-B complex, to which IFT46 belongs, is responsible for the movement of ciliary components such as tubulin subunits, which are necessary for the elongation and maintenance of the ciliary structure.

Mutations in the gene encoding IFT46 have been linked to ciliopathies, a group of disorders characterized by defects in the structure or function of cilia. These disorders can manifest in many ways, including kidney disease, retinal degeneration, and skeletal abnormalities, reflecting the diverse roles of cilia in human physiology.The function of IFT46 within the IFT-B complex is supported by its interaction with other IFT proteins, and its activity is necessary for the proper assembly of the ciliary axoneme. By facilitating the transport of essential components to the distal ends of cilia, IFT46 ensures that signaling molecules are correctly positioned to receive extracellular signals and that motile cilia can generate effective locomotion or fluid flow across epithelial surfaces.In summary, IFT46 is a vital player in the process of intraflagellar transport, with its activity underpinning the dynamic assembly and function of cilia and flagella, which are critical for cellular communication and homeostasis.